Everyone dreads group projects. You don’t want to get stuck in a group where you are going to have to end up doing all the work, and you definitely don’t want to miss any deadlines. Here are a few tips to help get you through those inevitable group projects.
Choose good group members:
One of the keys to a successful group project is choosing good group members. It can be tempting to choose friends, but that can sometimes lead to a lot of goofing off if you’re not careful. Try to choose people that you know want to get a good grade and are willing to put in the effort to get that A. Also try to pick people with good attendance. It can be frustrating trying to fill in group members who have missed crucial class sessions, and if you’re presenting to the class you want to make sure all your group members are there.
Figure out a way to communicate that works for everyone:
Whether it be texting, emailing or using google docs to communicate, just make sure that all members of the group have access to the group. Communication is essential in group projects, so try to choose a way that works for everyone.
Ask the professor for help if you need it:
It is always best to ask for help if you need it. If you are having trouble with a group member, or just don’t understand a part of the project, go talk to your professor. They will be able to answer your toughest questions, and maybe help you out if you have a troublesome group member.
Set deadlines:
Having deadlines for your group can make it a lot easier to keep track of everyone’s progress. It can also help ensure that your group will complete the project before it is due.
Finish the project before it is due:
Finishing a project before the due date can allow for extra time to practice if it is a presentation, and it gives you and your group members time to make sure there are no mistakes. It can be extremely stressful to finish the project the night before, so allowing a few days to polish things up is a good idea.
Group projects are stressful, but you are almost guaranteed to have multiple while you’re in college. Knowing how to handle them can make the experience a lot more bearable when you do get assigned one.